An online magazine of faith based on a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. The mission of Unitarian Universalism: A Way Of Life ministries is to sanctify the world by helping people become aware of their holiness.

Pages

Friday, September 28, 2018

Are the awakened ones perfect?

The idea that awakened people have never engaged in unethical behavior or don't currently is wrong. Many saints have had quite scandalous lives before they became awakened. Some people who claim to be awakened, enlightened, seem to engage in behavior that is narcissistic and exploitive. Jesus tells us that "by their fruits you shall know them."

Just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so too is holiness. Holy people can appear to do hurtful things to themselves and others. The question is not whether awakened people do unethical and harmful things, but how they manage the harm they have done when they become aware of it.

An awakened person is quick to recognize unethical and harmful behavior, admit his/her transgressions, repair the harm done, and seek reconciliation with those who have been harmed.

In Unitarian Univeralism we covenant together to affirm and promote seven principles many of which are ignored, overlooked, or intentionally broken periodically and sometimes on a regular basis. No one is perfect, and no group is perfect. Those who are awakened are very aware of the transgressions and offenses. Awakened people recognize that these transgressions and offenses create drama on the path of the ego, and yet they persist to focus on the path of the spirit and uplift the Divine as benificents of grace.

Amazing grace pervades the lives of the awakened and is dimly perceived by those who aspire to find a better way.